Notre-Dame Evacuated by Paris Police

Notre-Dame in Paris is on lockdown after reports of gunshots outside the tourist attraction. According to the BBC, French police are urging passersby to keep clear of the area, and other media outlets are reporting that a man has been shot after he attempted to attack police with a hammer. The main square outside the famous cathedral has been evacuated, and some of those at the scene have been tweeting that they are currently being asked to stay inside the church. Tourists near Notre-Dame sought shelter in cafes and restaurants.

France has been in a state of emergency since the Bataclan attacks in Paris in 2015, which left 130 people dead. On Saturday evening, seven people were killed and dozens injured in London after a van ran into pedestrians at London Bridge and three knifemen stormed through Borough Market.

If you're a U.S. traveler in Paris, or concerned about being abroad during a terror attack, be aware that you can notify the nearest U.S. embassy of your whereabouts, status, and future travel plans at any time. You can also take advantage of Facebook's Safety Check feature, which enables you to keep friends and family up to date on your safety by selecting "mark yourself safe." As a precaution, the U.S. State Department recommends enrolling in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to traveling, which allows you to upload details about your trip, including your passport number, flight details, and destination, to receive e-mail alerts regarding safety and security information for the duration of your trip.

This is a developing story. Please continue to check back for more updates.